What is the primary role of Firebase Cloud Messaging?

The primary role of Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) is to manage push notifications. FCM provides a reliable and efficient way to deliver messages and notifications from server applications to client apps across various platforms, including iOS and Android. This service enables developers to send notifications based on user engagement or other triggers and to communicate important updates or promotional content to their users in real time.

By utilizing FCM, developers can easily implement notification features in their applications, such as sending alerts when new content is available, reminders about important events, or personalized marketing messages. This capability is essential for enhancing user engagement and ensuring timely communication within mobile applications.

The other options involve different functions that do not directly pertain to the core functionality of FCM. For instance, user data storage relates more to databases, analytics pertains to measuring user behavior and engagement, and user authentication involves verifying user identity, which are outside the main scope of FCM's push notification management.